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CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) found itself at the center of unexpected chaos when a man, fleeing the scene of a car accident on Brookpark Road, climbed over a perimeter fence and stormed onto the airport grounds, causing a temporary halt to all flights. The incident, which occurred at 11:30 a.m., led to the diversion of at least three flights to Pittsburgh and Detroit, exposing vulnerabilities in the security of one of Ohio's key transportation hubs and raising alarming questions about airport security in urban environments. According to an official airport statement, everything began with the accident on Brookpark Road, a busy highway bordering the northern side of the airport. “Preliminary information indicates that one of the passengers exited the vehicle and climbed over the airport fence,” said CLE spokesperson Michelle Denia. The suspect, who was quickly taken into custody by airport security agents supported by Cleveland police and the Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team, was detained swiftly. To ensure the safety of the airport, management issued a flight stoppage order, temporarily halting departures and arrivals. Although operations resumed in less than an hour, three flights — American Airlines from Chicago, Delta from Atlanta, and United from New York — were forced to land at nearby airports, causing delays for hundreds of passengers. This short-lived incident was the latest in a series of security breaches at CLE, highlighting systemic issues with perimeter security. Sources within the Cleveland Department of Port Control reported that the 8-foot-high fence with barbed wire surrounding the 1,700-acre airport has repeatedly been breached. In 2022, 26-year-old Isaac Wully stole a car and broke through gates, reaching the runway and damaging a radar tower, resulting in delays on one of the busiest days of the year. In 2020, a driver allegedly avoiding a deer crashed through the fence near Greton Road, but the breach went unnoticed for nearly two hours. “Cleveland Hopkins is bordered by city roads, making it uniquely vulnerable,” said John Gorsmaier, airport spokesperson, adding that the administration is working to strengthen security with federal grants. Passengers whose flights were diverted expressed frustration but also relief at the quick response. “We hovered over Pittsburgh for 40 minutes,” said Sarah Conway, a Delta passenger headed to Cleveland for a family celebration. “It was scary at first, but I’m glad they prioritized safety.” According to FlightAware, all three diverted flights — AA 1732, DL 2245, and UA 1819 — returned to CLE by 2:30 p.m., but the delays impacted the airport’s schedule, which in June 2025 services an average of 900,000 passengers per month. The investigation, conducted by Cleveland police and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has not yet determined the suspect’s motives. Sources close to the investigation indicate that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed until interrogation is complete, may have acted out of panic following the accident. However, the incident has raised concerns among aviation security experts. Jeff Price, an aviation security professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, noted: “Airport fences are just the first line of defense. The real question is how quickly the system responds to breaches.” He added that incidents like the 2014 case at San Jose Airport, when a teenager accessed the aircraft wheel well, underline the need for technologies such as motion sensors and AI-powered cameras. Columbus Mayor Justin Bibb, commenting on the event, emphasized the need for investment in airport security. “CLE is the gateway to our city, and we cannot let such incidents undermine passenger confidence,” he stated, promising collaboration with TSA and FAA to upgrade perimeter systems. According to the FAA, in 2024 CLE received $12 million for security upgrades, although only a portion of these funds was allocated to fencing, with most directed toward terminal modernization. For Cleveland, a city striving to strengthen its reputation as a regional economic hub, this incident has sounded a warning. The airport, ranked among the top 50 in passenger volume in the U.S., faces competition from Columbus and Pittsburgh, and disruptions like this could deter airlines and travelers. Local residents like J.Bell, a passenger whose flight was delayed in 2022 due to a similar incident, express frustration: “It’s not the first time. How much longer before they finally upgrade security?” While the investigation continues and the airport returns to normal operations, the Cleveland Hopkins incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of aviation security. In a world where threats are becoming increasingly unpredictable, protecting facilities like CLE requires not only fences but vigilance, technology, and political will. For the passengers circling overhead Ohio and the staff who detained the intruder, this day became a test — and a warning.

CLEVELAND — While food prices continue to rise relentlessly, leaving households searching for ways to stretch their budgets, major grocery chains in Cleveland are launching a large-scale battle for customer loyalty. This summer, Giant Eagle, a local retail giant, joined chains like Walmart and Meijer by launching the weekly "Carefree Summer" promotions, promising significant savings — from "buy one, get one free" offers to discounts on fresh produce. But in the face of fierce competition and economic pressure, are these discounts enough to ease the financial burden for Ohio families? According to weekly price tracking data, Aldi remains the leader in affordability, offering a basket of essentials — 2% milk, white bread, chicken, ground beef (80% meat, 20% fat), eggs, and oatmeal — for $16.57. Walmart ranks second at $17.18, while Giant Eagle, although not releasing exact figures this week, draws attention with BOGO deals on meat and discounts on seasonal products. However, rising prices for ground beef at most stores signal a broader inflation trend, prompting shoppers to plan their expenses more carefully. "Food prices are rising faster than the incomes of most families," notes Elizabeth VanMeter, reporter for News 5, who leads the price tracking initiative. "Our goal is to give shoppers tools to make informed decisions." Each week, the team visits six major Cleveland chains — Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, Walmart, Heinen’s, and Dave’s Market — comparing prices on essentials. The results not only highlight the most advantageous offers but also show how stores maneuver in a competitive environment where every cent counts. This week, Giant Eagle stands out with its "Carefree Summer" program, which includes discounts on meat, dairy, and pantry staples such as oatmeal for under $2. "We listen to our customers, and they tell us they need real savings," said Bryan Ferrier, Senior Vice President of merchandising at Giant Eagle, in an interview with The New York Times. Insider sources indicate that the company also plans to expand seasonal promotions, especially during back-to-school and winter holidays, following the success of last year's "Price Lock" program that fixed prices on 800 items for three months. However, competition in Cleveland remains intense. Walmart, which recently reduced prices on nearly 7,000 items, and Target, which announced discounts on 1,500 items, put pressure on local chains like Giant Eagle. According to cleveland.com, Giant Eagle’s discount strategy this summer, which covers over 1,000 products and saves customers $7.5 million, is part of a broader trend among retail chains striving to retain customers amid economic uncertainty. For savvy shoppers like Linda Thomas, a resident of Parma Heights, these promotions have become a lifeline. “I compare prices between Aldi and Giant Eagle weekly,” she says. “BOGO on chicken or beef can really cut down my bill.” Meanwhile, local activists point out that chains like Dave’s Market often inflate prices in low-income areas, highlighting inequality in access to affordable food. As Cleveland families adapt to rising prices, initiatives like News 5's price tracker become vital tools. The team encourages shoppers to share their finds via an online form, promising to publish the best deals. "If you find cheaper ground beef or milk, let us know," says VanMeter. "We might even join you in-store to showcase how to save." In a city where economic challenges intertwine with the desire for summer leisure, promotions like Giant Eagle’s "Carefree Summer" offer not only savings but also hope — that even in tough times, the community can gather around the table without breaking the bank. For those willing to compare prices and hunt for discounts, Cleveland this summer is turning into a real battleground for savings.

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at dawn, Interstate 55 near Lemont, a suburb of Chicago, became the scene of tragedy when a collision involving three vehicles claimed the lives of two people and left another with injuries. According to Illinois State Police, the crash that occurred at 3:26 a.m. on the north side of the Barack Obama Freeway caused a six-hour closure of all northbound lanes, redirecting thousands of vehicles to Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) and paralyzing morning traffic in the region. This accident served as a stark reminder of the deadly hazards of expressways and raised questions about safety on one of Illinois’s busiest routes. Illinois State Police reported that the accident happened near the off-ramp to Lemont Road in DuPage County, where three vehicles collided under unknown circumstances. Two individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed pending notification of their families, were declared dead at the scene. A third person, with injuries remaining unspecified, was urgently transported to a local hospital. "This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is," said Illinois State Police Captain James Clark, speaking to reporters near the crash site. The six-hour closure of I-55, including the exits from I-355 to the northern section of the highway, caused significant traffic jams stretching as far as Bolingbrook. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, I-55, which connects Chicago to suburbs and southern counties, transports over 120,000 vehicles daily in this area, making any disruptions noticeable to the region’s economy. "I was stuck in a three-hour traffic jam," said Juan Martinez, a driver from Woodridge heading to work in Lemont. "It's not just an inconvenience, it's chaos." According to insider information obtained from police sources, preliminary investigations suggest a possible role of high speed or driver distraction, although no official conclusions have been made. I-55 near Lemont has long raised concerns due to frequent accidents, especially because of lane narrowing and proximity to the intersection with I-355. According to a 2024 report from the Illinois Department of Transportation, this section saw a 23% increase in collisions involving multiple vehicles compared to the previous decade, partly attributed to speeding and aggressive driving. This tragedy was one of several fatal accidents on I-55 this year. In May 2025, a truck rollover near Darien claimed the life of the driver, and in January, an incident in Cook County led to the closure of southbound lanes for several hours. Local activists like Sarah Connell from the Safe Roads Illinois coalition are calling for the installation of speed cameras and widening of lanes in this area. "How many more lives will we lose before something changes?" she asked in an interview with The New York Times. For Lemont, a quiet suburb with a population of about 17,000, the accident was a shock. Local resident Michael Thompson, a 45-year-old owner of a café nearby, said the sirens of ambulances and police woke the entire neighborhood. "We’re used to the highway noise, but not like this," he said. "It’s a reminder that danger is always nearby." Lemont Mayor John Egel expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised to collaborate with state authorities to improve safety on I-55. While police continue their investigation, the Chicago community and its suburbs are mourning the loss. This crash, occurring in the dark before dawn, highlighted the fragility of life on high-speed highways and prompted the region to consider how to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Whether this disaster becomes a catalyst for real change or remains another tragic statistic depends on the actions of authorities and the community. But for those who have lost loved ones, the answer is already too late.

On Sunday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by defeating the Indiana Pacers with a score of 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to claim their first franchise championship title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, crowned league MVP, was the architect of this victory, scoring 29 points and 12 assists, confirming that his star season culminated in triumph. This victory, earned through an intense series that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last second, was not only a triumph for the Thunder but also a symbol of a new era in the NBA, where young teams with deep rosters challenge the established hierarchy. This title was the second for the franchise, which previously won the championship as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. However, for Oklahoma City, a city that had been dreaming of its own banner for years, it was a moment of catharsis. With 84 wins in the regular season and playoffs, the Thunder matched the legendary Chicago Bulls of 1996-97 for most wins in a season, trailing only Golden State 2016-17 (88) and the Bulls 2015-16 (87). "It's not just a win, it's a statement," said head coach Mark Daigneault, whose strategic brilliance was key to their success. "We showed that defense still wins championships." The series against the Pacers was a real test. Indiana, which started the season with a 10-15 record, made an impressive comeback to reach the finals for the first time since 2000. They led 1-0 and 2-1, relying on fast-paced attacks and deep roster depth, but the loss of star defender Tyrus Haliburton due to an Achilles injury in the first quarter of Game 7 dealt a fatal blow. "We fought to the end," said Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. "But without Tyrus, we lacked the spark." Benedict Mathurin, with 24 points and 13 rebounds, tried to fill the gap, but the Thunder used their devastating defense, forcing the opponents into 23 turnovers, which turned into 32 points. The third quarter was decisive: the Thunder outscored the Pacers 34-20, creating a 13-point lead thanks to accurate three-pointers from Lou Dort and relentless energy from Jalen Williams, who added 20 points. Chet Holmgren, another young star, finished the game with 18 points, demonstrating why the Thunder are considered the youngest champion team since the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977. "We knew this was our moment," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP. "All our work, all our sacrifices led us here." For the Pacers, this loss was a painful reminder of missed opportunities. The team, often underestimated by many, proved their strength, pushing the series to a seventh game—the first in NBA Finals since 2016. Pacers legend Reggie Miller, present at the game, acknowledged: "This team has heart. They were so close." However, injuries, including Achilles tears for Haliburton, James Weisman, and Isaiah Jackson, proved to be an overwhelming burden. According to sources within the Pacers coaching staff, Haliburton, who signed a five-year $244.7 million contract, may miss a significant part of next season, casting doubt on the team’s future prospects. This victory for the Thunder also highlighted a paradigm shift in the NBA. Over the past seven seasons, seven different teams have won the title—a unprecedented occurrence in league history. Under Commissioner Adam Silver, who has seen nine different champions in 12 years, the NBA has become a arena where young, balanced rosters like the Thunder challenge traditional superteams. "This is the new NBA," Silver said in his postgame comment. "Depth, defense, and youth are rewriting the rules." For Oklahoma City, a city that has endured economic hardship and tragedies, this title became a moment of unity. Fans filling the Paycom Center cheered for Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort—two Canadians who became the 11th and 12th players from Canada to win an NBA title. "This is for our city," said Sam Presti, Thunder general manager, holding the Larry O’Brien trophy. "We built this team with faith in youth and discipline." As Oklahoma City prepares for the championship parade and the banner of the Thunder is set to rise to the arena's roof, the Pacers return to Indiana with heads held high, but with a bitter taste of lost dreams. For both teams, this series was a testament to their resilience. But that night, the thunder roared louder, and Oklahoma City celebrates the dawn of a new dynasty.

During the week from June 23 to June 29, 2025, in the state of Ohio, hot and humid summer weather is forecasted. The first days of the week will be steadily warm and sunny, but from Wednesday, short-term rains and localized thunderstorms are possible. Clear skies will return on the weekend. Daytime temperatures will mostly fluctuate between +29 °C…+33 °C, and at night, they will stay within +18 °C…+21 °C. Weekly forecast: On Monday, June 23, Ohio expects sunny and hot weather. No precipitation is expected. The wind is light, from the southwest. Daytime temperature will rise to +31 °C, and at night it will drop to +19 °C. On Tuesday, June 24, clear weather will persist, with slightly increased humidity. Atmospheric pressure remains stable. Daytime temperature will reach +33 °C, and at night about +20 °C. On Wednesday, June 25, there will be variable cloudiness during the day, with short-term rain or thunderstorms possible in the second half of the day. Winds will strengthen. Daytime temperature – up to +30 °C, at night – +21 °C. On Thursday, June 26, periodic clouds and isolated thunderstorms are forecasted, especially in the second half of the day. Daytime temperature – up to +29 °C, at night – about +20 °C. On Friday, June 27, dull weather with short-term rains is expected, with possible thunderstorms in the evening. Daytime temperature will decrease to +28 °C, and at night – to +19 °C. On Saturday, June 28, the sky will gradually clear, and it will be mostly sunny, with no significant precipitation. Maximum temperature – +30 °C, nighttime – +18 °C. On Sunday, June 29, clear and dry weather will persist, with a weak, southern wind. Daytime temperature will reach +32 °C, and at night it will remain at +19 °C. Sunrise / sunset on Monday: Sunrise: 5:58 AMSunset: 9:02 PM Summary forecast in brief: Monday: Sunny. | Maximum temperature: +31 °CTuesday: Clear, hot. | Maximum temperature: +33 °CWednesday: Variable cloudiness, thunderstorms. | Maximum temperature: +30 °CThursday: Cloudy, short thunderstorms. | Maximum temperature: +29 °CFriday: Overcast, rain. | Maximum temperature: +28 °CSaturday: Clear. | Maximum temperature: +30 °CSunday: Sunny, dry. | Maximum temperature: +32 °C Throughout the week, residents of Ohio should prepare for hot days and increased humidity. Midweek thunderstorms are possible, so weather fluctuations should be considered when planning activities. The weekend promises favorable conditions for outdoor recreation.

DETROIT — On Tuesday afternoon, a quiet working-class neighborhood in western Detroit was shaken by a car shooting that left two women in their early 20s injured. The incident, which occurred at 2:00 PM on the 7000 block of Breal Street, was described by police as an act of revenge related to a confrontation the day before in a park near Telegraph Road and Glendale. This event served as another reminder of the troubling wave of firearm violence that has overwhelmed the city, prompting the community to seek answers on how to break this cycle. “It was a solitary but targeted act of revenge,” said Detroit police captain Shannon Hampton during a press briefing at the scene. According to him, the suspects — two men in a blue, latest-model sedan — opened fire on a target, firing several shots before fleeing the scene. Both victims, one with a gunshot wound to the foot, the other to the leg, were transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Police recovered a firearm from the scene, but investigations into the possible involvement of additional weapons continue. This incident is just one of numerous similar cases that shook Detroit in June, which has been declared National Gun Violence Awareness Month in the United States. Just in recent days, two teenagers were wounded during a shooting at an illegal street party on the city’s west side, and two men were fatally shot near Hope Park in another district. Last week’s arrests related to shootings on Mtetetal Street and Takoma Street demonstrated that police are actively fighting the surge in violence, but according to local activists, it’s not enough. “This is a good neighborhood where hardworking people live,” Hampton said, emphasizing the rarity of such violence on Breal Street. “Gun violence never solves problems.” However, his words ring as a faint comfort to a community increasingly affected by such incidents. Data from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions indicates that in 2022, over 48,000 people in the US died from firearm-related causes, including 2,526 children and teenagers — a 106% increase compared to 2013. Detroit, where violence rates historically exceed the national average, remains the epicenter of this crisis. According to insider information from sources within the city hall, local authorities are under pressure due to their inability to curb the rising crime rate despite significant investments in public safety programs. In 2024, Detroit’s police budget reached $340 million, but critics, including the local Ceasefire Detroit coalition, argue that these funds are largely directed toward reactive measures rather than prevention. “We can’t arrest everyone who is armed,” said Leila Thompson, a Ceasefire activist. “We need youth programs, jobs, and investments in our neighborhoods.” The shooting on Breal Street also highlighted a broader issue: easy access to guns in Michigan. This month, coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the state senate committee is advancing legislation aimed at banning "bump stocks" and combating so-called “ghost guns,” which lack serial numbers and are untraceable. However, according to sources in the Lansing Capitol, these initiatives face opposition from gun industry lobbyists, complicating reform efforts. For residents of Breal Street, like Marius Jackson, a 42-year-old auto mechanic who witnessed the shooting, talk of reform sounds hollow. “I heard the gunshots, saw people running,” he recounts. “My daughter was playing in the yard two blocks from here. This isn’t an isolated incident — it’s our life.” Jackson and his neighbors are now planning to organize community meetings to discuss setting up a neighborhood patrol program, but many doubt it will stop the violence. While Detroit police continue searching for the suspects, the community remains tense, awaiting the next wave of violence. Will the shooting on Breal Street serve as a catalyst for real change, or is it just another line in the tragic statistics? For a city fighting for revival after decades of economic decline, the answer to this question will determine not only the safety of its streets but also the residents’ faith in a better future.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In Ohio, where soaring real estate prices are choking homeowners, Republican lawmakers have introduced an ambitious plan promising $3.5 billion in tax relief — the largest tax cut in the state's history. Bill H.B. 335, proposed by Representatives David Thomas and Bill Romer, is positioned as a lifeline for people like Debra Weigandt from Akron, whose taxes rose 30% after the latest property reassessment. However, behind this promise lies a painful compromise: schools already suffering from underfunding could lose $1.5 billion, jeopardizing education for thousands of children. "It's not just a tax hike; it's felt like a financial heart attack," said Ed Livenhua, a resident of Lake County, whose tax bill sharply increased last summer. Similar stories are heard across Ohio, where the post-pandemic real estate boom has led to an average property value increase of 30–37% in counties like Butler, Montgomery, and Green. For many homeowners, especially retirees and middle-income families, these increases have become an unbearable burden, prompting legislators to act. H.B. 335, known as the "Immediate Property Tax Relief Act," offers a radical solution: abolishing the so-called "internal tax" — a mechanism that allows school districts to automatically receive more revenue as property values increase. "We want property owners to feel real relief, not see their taxes rise with the market," said Thomas, a former auditor of Ashtabula County, whom the Republican leadership has chosen to champion the reform. He estimates that the average homeowner will save $850 annually if their home is assessed at the median value. The Cost of Relief But for school districts relying on property taxes for 50% of their budgets, H.B. 335 is a financial disaster. Charles Smialek, superintendent of Parma City Schools, called the bill "a blow to the very heart of education." He said that losing $1.5 billion would leave schools without resources to sustain basic services. "How can we educate children when we have to cut teachers, close classrooms, and cancel sports and arts?" he asked. Parma, like many other districts, is already fighting to survive. Since 2011, the district has not received new revenue from local taxes, having failed seven referenda attempts since 2018. "We have reached our limit," Smialek said. "This bill won't just complicate our work; it will make it impossible." According to Ohio Department of Education data, 486 of the state's 609 school districts have reserves exceeding the proposed 30% of their annual budgets and would be required to return those funds to taxpayers if H.B. 335 becomes law. For example, Columbus City Schools would need to find a way to allocate $139.5 million to comply with the new rules. Republicans like Romer argue that schools can save money by consolidating services or merging with other districts. "We want to start serious conversations about efficiency," he said, hinting at possible school district mergers in rural areas. However, critics, including Democratic representative Braid Rose Swini, call this a "sham reform" that only provides temporary relief for homeowners while creating a long-term crisis for education. "This is a one-time transfer of funds that doesn't address systemic problems," Swini noted. The Broader Context H.B. 335 is part of a broader fight over tax reform in Ohio, where the school funding system—deemed unconstitutional by the state's Supreme Court in 1997—still relies heavily on local property taxes. About 611 school districts in the state collected $13 billion in property taxes in 2023–2024, but this system perpetuates inequality: wealthy districts thrive, while poorer districts like Parma struggle to make ends meet. The bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, adopted in 2021, aimed to address this, but its implementation is slowed by a $1.8 billion shortfall needed for full funding. Meanwhile, pressure on lawmakers is mounting. The civic group Citizens for Property Tax Reform has gathered 1,800 signatures to amend the constitution to fully abolish property taxes, which could devastate funding for schools, libraries, and local services. "This is our last resort," said group spokeswoman Bet Blackmar. "We, especially seniors, can't afford to pay anymore." Although experts like Senator Bill Blesing warn that abolishing property taxes could lead to a "loss of $22 billion in revenue," the initiative reflects deep voter frustration. The Political Game H.B. 335, currently under consideration in the Ohio Senate, is just one of 19 property tax bills floating around, indicating a political fever pitch around this issue. House Speaker Matt Huffman called the reform "dramatic and necessary," but acknowledged that a compromise with the Senate, which increased the reserve limit for schools to 50%, would be challenging. Governor Mike DeWine, whose budget doesn't include such radical changes, expressed caution, stating that "education is the state's primary responsibility." For homeowners like Weigandt, who feels that "everything is getting more expensive," the promise of $3.5 billion in relief sounds like a lifesaver. But for teachers, students, and parents witnessing their schools lose resources, it sounds like a verdict. As Ohio balances between tax relief for payers and protecting education, one question remains unanswered: can the state afford to sacrifice the future of its children for immediate relief?

PARMA, Ohio — From June 12 to 15, the Parish of the Intercession of the Theotokos in Parma, Ohio, became a spiritual hub for hundreds of young Ukrainians who gathered from all corners of the United States and even Canada for the VII All-American Youth Pilgrimage. Over 800 participants—from Philadelphia to California, from Texas to Mississippi—gathered to pray, reflect on faith, and build bridges between generations and cultures. This event, born in 2016 as a modest initiative for the Ukrainian diaspora, has today transformed into a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and hope, especially in times when the war in Ukraine casts a shadow on the hearts of its children around the world. "This is a testimony of how God is acting among us," said Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Bishop of the Holy Josphat Eparchy in Parma, in an interview with The New York Times. "From a small spark of 70 people, we grew to 800, united by prayer and love." The pilgrimage, interrupted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returned with renewed strength, becoming not only a spiritual event but also a platform for strengthening Ukrainian identity in the diaspora. According to organizers, this year's theme—"Christians Yesterday and Today", "Set Out on the Road", and "What Is Our Tomorrow?"—prompted young people to deeply reflect on their role in the modern world. The four-day event was filled with spiritual and cultural moments. Participants attended three thematic sessions led by spiritual guides, including Bishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of Philadelphia, and Bishop Brien Baida from Toronto. In small groups, youth shared personal experiences that, according to Olena Korendy, newly appointed head of the inter-eparchial youth commission, “allowed everyone to feel support and understanding.” A foot procession to the St. Josaphat Church, covering over 5 kilometers, became the highlight of the third day, concluding with an Vespers led by Bishop Danylo. "It was a moment when we felt part of something bigger," recounts Maria Levytska, a 22-year-old participant from Chicago. "We walked together, prayed together, and it gave us strength." The pilgrimage also included secular elements that unified the youth. Sports competitions among teams from Parma, Chicago, Stamford, and Philadelphia dioceses added a friendly competitive atmosphere. "This is not just about prayer but about community," says Ihor Khudyj, one of the founders of the pilgrimage. "We see how young people who speak English or Ukrainian find common ground through football or volleyball." An evening of spiritual singing featuring the Honored Artist of Ukraine Svitlana Vesna and local performers became yet another bridge connecting generations. A distinctive feature of this year's pilgrimage was the presence of a Canadian delegation, including youth from the Uspinnya Parish in Mississauga. "This shows that our Church is not only the USA or Ukraine but a global community," said Bishop Baida. According to insider information, organizers plan to officially expand the pilgrimage to an international format, including communities from Australia and Europe by 2026, when the 10th anniversary of the event will be celebrated. However, the pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also a response to today's challenges. According to the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, many young participants are children of émigrés who came to the USA after 2014 due to the war in Ukraine. Their stories of losses, hope, and the fight for identity added an emotional depth to the event. "This youth bears the burden of war, but here they find peace and a sense of home," shares Father Andriy Chirovskiy, spiritual guide from the Stamford Eparchy. Organizers also announced ambitious plans for the future. According to Olena Korendy, the newly formed inter-eparchial youth commission will work on programs for all 207 UGCC parishes in the USA, connecting Ukrainian- and English-speaking youth. "We want our Church to be a place where young people feel they can change the world," she said. Bishop Gudziak, known for his support of youth, added: "These young people are not just the future — today they are already transforming our Church and the world." For Parma, a city with a rich Ukrainian heritage where family-owned stores, like the Salo family butchery, have been thriving for over 40 years, the pilgrimage became yet another symbol of resilience. Local parishioners who prepared food and provided premises gave their all to ensure hospitality. "It was like a family celebration," says Anna Koval, a volunteer from the local parish. "We all worked together to make the youth feel love." The climax of the pilgrimage was the Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy on June 15, led by three bishops. In his sermon, Bishop Danylo urged the youth to "go with God" and to correct the mistakes of previous generations. "Hope is in you, Lord,"— words that became the slogan of the pilgrimage— sounded as a promise from the new generation of Ukrainians in the diaspora. As Ukraine fights for its future, these young people in Parma demonstrated that faith, community, and culture can become the foundation for change—both in hearts and in the world. Sources: Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, Ukrinform